By Cecilia Chiluba 
Zambia Development Agency (ZDA) has disclosed that it is targeting to record leads and trade deals worth over US$2 billion in key thematic sectors at the inaugural Invest Zambia International Conference (IZIC) scheduled for July, 2025, in Lusaka.
The Agency will be hosting the Conference in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), International Finance Corporation (IFC), European Union Delegation to Zambia, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Zambia National Commercial Bank (ZANACO) has since handed over a K500, 000 cheque to ZDA, as part of its support towards the Conference, which will be held under the theme; “Driving Generational Transformative Investments through Joint Ventures and Partnerships.”
With about 1, 000 delegates from more than 20 countries expected to participate in the event, from 16th to 18th July, 2025, IZIC is set to become the country’s premier platform for trade and investment.
The Conference’s key objectives include facilitating joint Venture Partnerships, promoting growth through trade and investment, and attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
Speaking during the cheque handover ceremony in Lusaka, ZDA Director General Albert Halwampa said the Agency expects the outcomes of the conference to include not only increased trade and investment deals, but also a significant rise in FDI inflows.
“We are looking to generate in excess of US$2 billion worth of transactions. Behind the scenes, we already have US$3 billion of agreements that could be signed during IZIC and I am not surprised if we will reach US$5 billion.”
“To ensure the success of this inaugural event, ZDA is actively mobilizing resources from our partners and stakeholders. To date, we have raised K4, 450,000 and counting, towards the hosting costs,” Mr. Halwapa said.
Mr. Halwampa explained that the flagship event will offer a unique space for strategic engagement through Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to- Government (B2G) networking opportunities, panel discussions and exhibitions that highlight Zambia’s economic opportunities.
He expressed gratitude to ZANACO for promptly stepping up as a key partner for IZIC working towards unlocking Zambia’s investment potential.
Speaking earlier, ZANACO Chief Executive Officer Mukwandi Chibesakunda said the Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that promote sustainable development, economic diversification, and job creation, which are core drivers of Zambia’s journey towards middle-income status.
“By investing in platforms that foster dialogue, collaboration, and innovative solutions, we are actively contributing to a future where Zambia’s economic potential is fully realized.”
The theme of the Invest in Zambia International Conference resonates deeply with Zanaco’s core vision. We believe that through strategic collaborations and innovative joint ventures, Zambia can unlock its full potential, creating sustainable prosperity for generations to come,” Ms. Chibesakunda stated.
She applauded ZDA for conceptualizing and organizing the inaugural conference, describing the initiative as a bold and visionary step towards positioning Zambia as a competitive and attractive destination for investment.
“With your organization reporting that the country last year, recorded US$9.83 billion worth of actualized projects spanning multiple sectors, and generated 40,395 jobs, surpassing the initial target of 38,119 jobs, we are optimistic that Zambia will record even more actualized investments,” she added.
So far, confirmed international participants include delegates from Malaysia, the Netherlands, USA, South Africa, Botswana, Germany, India, the UK, Australia, Austria, China, Bermuda, DRC, and Egypt. Others are Greece, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Nigeria, Portugal, Seychelles, Tunisia, and the UAE.